How to Clean Marble Tile Grout in Your Shower
Marble tile is a beautiful and elegant addition to any shower, but the grout can quickly become discolored and dirty. Fortunately, cleaning marble tile grout is not as difficult as it may seem. With a few simple supplies and a bit of elbow grease, you can have your shower looking sparkling clean in no time.
Supplies You'll Need:
- Cleaning Solution: You have a few options here:
- Commercial Grout Cleaner: There are many effective grout cleaners available at most hardware stores. Look for a cleaner specifically designed for marble and natural stone.
- Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste. This is a natural and effective cleaning solution.
- White Vinegar: White vinegar is a great natural cleaner and can help to remove soap scum and other grime.
- Toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush is perfect for scrubbing the grout lines.
- Bucket: You'll need a bucket to mix your cleaning solution and to hold water for rinsing.
- Sponge: A sponge is useful for applying the cleaning solution and rinsing the grout.
- Gloves: Protect your hands with rubber gloves.
- Old Towel: An old towel is helpful for drying the grout after cleaning.
Steps for Cleaning Marble Tile Grout:
- Prepare the Shower: Before you begin cleaning, make sure to clear the shower of any personal care items or other obstacles. Wet the grout lines with water.
- Apply Cleaning Solution: Apply your chosen cleaning solution to the grout lines. If using baking soda paste, apply a generous amount and let it sit for about 10 minutes. If using a commercial cleaner, follow the instructions on the bottle.
- Scrub the Grout: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the grout lines. Pay special attention to any areas that are particularly discolored.
- Rinse the Grout: Rinse the grout thoroughly with water. You can use a sponge to help with this process.
- Dry the Grout: Use an old towel to dry the grout lines.
Tips for Cleaning Marble Tile Grout:
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can damage the surface of marble tile. Always test a cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of the grout before applying it to the entire shower.
- Clean regularly: The best way to keep marble tile grout clean is to clean it regularly. Aim to clean your shower grout at least once a month.
- Use a sealant: Sealing your grout can help to prevent it from absorbing dirt and grime. You can find grout sealants at most hardware stores.
Extra Cleaning for Stubborn Stains:
If your grout is heavily stained, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution. You can try using a mixture of bleach and water. However, use bleach with extreme caution, as it can damage marble tile if not used correctly. It is always recommended to test the bleach solution on an inconspicuous area of the grout before using it on the entire shower.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your marble tile grout clean and looking its best for years to come!
